Balance Scoring Propels Spartans Past Bobcats
Tampa, Fla. - The University of Tampa Women's Lacrosse team had six players net multiple goals as the Spartans defeated West Virginia Wesleyan 19-5 Thursday afternoon at the Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex. With the win the Spartans improve to 2-4, while the Bobcats fall to 1-3.
The Spartans struck first as Emilie Barbosa found Mallory Mays for a goal two minutes in to the contest. On Tampa's next possession Barbosa connected with Mackenzie Perna, who netted her second goal of the season. Less than a minute later, Eileen Barrett intercepted a Bobcats pass near midfield and found the back of the cage to give the Spartans a 3-0 with 27:02 left in the first half. After a Bobcats goal, Morgan Cheripko took advantage of a West Virginia penalty and scored a man-up goal. Minutes later Maggie Griffo scored an unassisted goal and then assisted the next goal to Barrett to give Tampa a 6-1 advantage. West Virginia Weslyan scored three goals to cut the lead to 6-4 with 8:09 left in the first half. Tampa responded scoring four straight goals to take a 10-4 lead in to halftime.
Cheripko won the opening draw of the seconds half and put a well-placed shot past the goalie to extend Tampa's lead to 11-4. Tampa scored three straight goals to give the Spartans a 14-4 advantage with 24:15 left in the game. After a Bobcats goal, Cheripko found Kirsten Brierley for a man-up goal. Mays, Kerry Glenday, Barbosa, and Jackie Martin each tallied a goal for the 19-5 final.
Cheripko had a career day tallying four goals, three assists, and picking up 14 draw controls. Barbosa and Mays each tallied four points, while Barrett and Griffo tallied three points apiece.
Wylie Cassidy made six saves in the cage and improved her record to 2-4.
The Spartans will return to action Saturday, March 15, when they host No. 15 Indiana (PA) at 1:00 p.m. at Namoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex. Live stats and a video webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.
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